4/19/16

Symone Suarez

Cape's Dam is a beautiful haven in San Marcos. It's located near the Woods apartments off Interstate 35. Affected by the Halloween and Memorial Day floods, the dam has begun to deteriorate, prompting the San Marcos City Council to action. Not everyone is happy with the Council's decision to remove the dam. Symone Suarez has more with this Bobcat Update.

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Along Cape's Dam you'll find the Olympic Outdoor Center, a local kayaking school owned by Ben Kvanli. The center is not only is his business but also the place he calls home. Kyanli says he sometimes goes paddle boarding just to put his little girl to sleep.
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Kyanli formed a group called Save Thompson's Island with hopes of reversing the City Council's decision, but the city's Parks and Recreations Advisory Board has recommended removing the dam.
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Kvanli is against tearing down the structure because he believes rebuilding the dam will enhance the value of the river.
(Stand Up)
"As you can see, local businessman and resident Ben Kyanli finds great value to preserve the Cape's Dam. If you want to be apart of the cause, stop by his office on 602 North Interstate 35 and sign a petition. For Bobcat Update I am Symone Suarez"

4/18/16

DaLyah Jones

Safety is a concern on any college campus. Measures are taken to make sure everyone can work and study without disruptions or harm. DaLyah Jones tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Stand-up
"As the university continues to grow this leads to a higher possibility of crime on campus, but university officials say that they have protocols in place to help keep students and faculty safe."
Acts of violence occur on college campuses, so there's good reason for students and faculty to be aware of the possibility. Procedures have been developed to deal with threatening situations when they arise. Timely notices are essential. Texas State falls under the Clery Act, which requires all colleges and universities that receive federal funding to notify students, faculty and staff about crime on campus.
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Texas State works closely with the San Marcos Police Department to maintain safety on and off campus, and the university's police department decides when alerts should be sent.
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Blaschke says that there are many resources that students can use to ensure a safe experience. One resource that the campus is trying to get into all classrooms are electronic signs that flash emergency messages when necessary. Blaschke says certain rules are in place for the greater good.
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Texas State student Zaverie Harris says the campus seems well equipped for handling emergencies.
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Some students, like Chelsea Moran, says she feels safe, but only during the day. It's a different story when she walks on campus at night.
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There are resources, like Bobcat Bobbies, emergency-alert poles and the university police, that can be used when a student feels threatened. For more information, visit the Texas State Emergency management website. For Bobcat Update I'm DaLyah Jones.

4/17/16

Sarah Bey

Walk across campus, and you're likely to see it scattered here and there -- usually close to some iconic setting that Bobcats like to have in their senior photos. It's confetti that many photographers use to add to the shoot. But, as Sarah Bey tells us, confetti can cause problems.

It's everywhere. Every semester, graduation confetti covers the ground in several areas. Many students forget to sweep it up afterward, so the confetti washes into the drains and flows into the San Marcos River.
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Efforts to keep the river clean will continue.
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The amount of debris volunteers collect from the river shows that a little bit causes a lot of problems for native species. Some Texas State students took action recently and installed emblems along every drain on campus to help students and faculty be more aware of the consequences of their actions. Texas State senior Zachary Moreno recently took his senior photos with his friends, and they all decided not to use confetti.
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SU: The Habitat Conservation Plan encourages graduating seniors to use more environment-friendly materials such as bird seed or flower petals for their photos. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Bey.

Kiersten Ehr

The Texas State baseball team has a good luck charm -- he's the student manager Will Grant. Kiersten (AIR) Ehr has more in this Bobcat Update.

Since 2013, Will Grant has been a manager for the Texas State baseball team. Prior to coming to Texas State, Grant was a student manager at Dobie High School in La Vernia, Texas where he earned the Heart award for having a tremendous work ethic. Dobie High School noticed that Grant had a heart dedicated to baseball and a passion to help others. Grant says that prior to coming to Texas State, he was nervous and wasn't sure what to expect but was given the green light to see if he could fulfill the student manager duties.
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Texas State Baseball Assistant Coach Mike Fikac says that Grant is always the first one on the field and the last one to leave after practices and games.
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Being a student manager isn't all that glamorous; Grant has a full list of his duties and responsibilities, but he smiles with no complaints as his passion is to be a part of the team.
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Player Luke Sherley says that Grant's motivational speeches before the games and practices have truly made a difference on the team.
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Grant takes pride in being a positive influence for the team through the ups and downs of the season.
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Player Granger Studdard says the team has completely changed for the better since Grant started working for the team.
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With Will Grant's hard work and dedication to shine a light on the baseball team, some of the players wanted to give thanks to the man who makes sure the Bobcats are successful on and off the field. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kiersten Ehr.

Sydney Huddleston

The San Marcos Public Library is now hosting monthly improvisational theater classes open to the public. Members of the local comedy troupe Harshmellow started teaching the classes when they noticed a lack of participation in the San Marcos comedy scene. The troupe hopes that by holding these classes at the library, a broad range of people might be reached. Improvisation is a form of theater in which everything is made up on the spot and requires participants to think on their feet. The classes are being held the first Tuesday of every month at seven P-M. You can find out more information on the city of San Marcos website.

Bianca Gandaria

You know it's summertime in Texas when there's stifling heat in San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Bianca Gandaria has found the perfect location to deal it.

The place is called Arctic Chill. It's a food truck that specializes in a go-to frozen treat for all to enjoy. Located at the intersection of State Highway 123 and I-35, Arctic Chill serves soft shaved ice, known as raspas.
Arctic Chill has regular customers who keep coming back for more.
Arctic Chill offers a card that can be stamped to earn rewards. The flavors and combinations come in a wide variety.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Bianca Gandaria.

4/16/16

Anthony Balladares

There's a shoe tree in town. The tree, adorned with several pairs of shoes, has a unique story. Anthony Balladares walks us through the story in this Bobcat Update.

Bluebonnet Drive is located a mere five-minute walk behind Grin's Restaurant. Quiet and secluded, the peaceful street is home to locals and even a few students. It is also home to the shoe tree. The tree isn't hard to find, but its backstory is a mystery to some.
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Zach DeBaylo has lived across the street from the shoe tree for over a year.
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It turns out the shoe tree was part of an art project started by Texas State Art Professor Eric Weller. Weller passed away a couple of years ago, but he used to live on the property where the tree is. All of the shoes on the tree were found in the San Marcos River, and Weller placed them there as a statement against pollution. He knew the abandoned footwear would be an eye-sore, but that was the point. Polluting the river is detrimental. It's harmful, and it's ugly. Jennifer Pemp now lives in Weller's former home. She decided to continue the shoe tree tradition.
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The shoe tree wasn't the only thing Professor Weller left behind. The backyard of the place is a tribute to Weller's love of art. Several of his metal sculptures are still there. Pemp says Weller even had a hand in making the six-foot tall stone wall that wraps around the left side of the yard
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Weller's creation will live on.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Balladares.

Alan Espejel

Shakespeare is on stage at Texas State. The play Romeo and Juliet represents a lot of hard work by the cast and crew. Alan Espejel has more in this Bobcat Update.

Directing, acting, stagecraft and promotions. A lot of effort goes into making a production like Romeo and Juliet. The students who are involved hope it will be a success.
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The cast and crew share director Amelia Bahr's vision of the play. Her interpretation is dark, but unique.
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It's this unique perspective that fair Romeo hopes will bring in a large crowd.
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It's been a long process for the cast and crew. Now, they want an audience. Enticing students to attend isn't easy.
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All of their work comes down to six nights on stage. Romeo and Juliet runs through April 24th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alan Espejel.

Julie Darner

Graduation is approaching quickly, so seniors are trying to get it together. Julie Darner has more with this Bobcat Update.

No matter how much Bobcats love their school, there comes a day when they have to move on. Some of them have big plans.
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Some of them are searching.
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And if they don't have a clue about what's ahead, they shouldn't worry. At least, not yet.
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They are not alone.
It can be an emotional time. But when they jump in the river wearing their caps and gowns, those endless nights of studying at Alkek will seem worth it.
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With Bobcat Update, for the last time, I'm Julie Darner.

Elizabeth Millner

If you're thinking about moving into an apartment and want to include a pet, make sure you do some research first. Most apartment complexes have strict policies when it comes to dogs. Elizabeth Millner has more in this Bobcat Update.

Including a dog when you move in often means you have to pay more. Fees or pet deposits can range from 200 to 500 dollars. Some renters think the deposits are just too expensive.
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Those who want to house certain breeds, such as pit bulls or German Shepherds, find it difficult, because some apartments prohibit them.
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However, apartment managers have proved to be more lenient when it comes to service animals.
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Leasing agents and apartment staff say the fees are necessary because of the damages that could occur.
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Residents who violate the policies may have to find other accommodations for their pets.
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But there are always the dedicated owners who will choose keeping their four-legged-friends over relocation any day.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Elizabeth Millner.

Kat Johnson


Finals are looming ahead, and that means stress levels are rising. Kat Johnson joins us now at the news desk to tell us more about what's ahead.
(LIVE ON SET)
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(c.g.: Kat Johnson, Bobcat Update.)
Texas State is gearing up for finals week. Professors are writing their exams, and students are planning their strategies for taking them.
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To accommodate students who need to do some late-night studying or write their final papers, Alkek Library will be open 24 hours a day starting Monday, May second until Tuesday May tenth. Although the library is the most popular place to study during finals, the campus offers many options.
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If you are a student that stresses easily about finals, here are some studying tips from your fellow Bobcats
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Texas State's finals will start on Tuesday, May third and end on Wednesday, May eleventh.
(LIVE ON SET)
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Taylor Farrell

Forbes has named San Marcos one of the 25 best places to retire. Taylor Farrell tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Among the characteristics that Forbes considered were the affordability of housing , taxes and the cost of living. In each category, San Marcos rates below the national average, but for residents, San Marcos also holds many other distinctive qualities.
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A variety of environments was represented on the Forbes' list. While some cities boasted scenic mountains or beaches, San Marcos was noted for its warm weather, beautiful rivers and many outdoor activities.
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There are numerous reasons why San Marcos is considered to have good retirement value, and residents tend to agree.
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SU: To see the full list of cities, visit Forbes.com and search 'best places to retire'. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Farrell.

Taylor Hughes

The semester is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the adventure has to. In this Bobcat Update, Taylor Hughes tells us how students and faculty can tap into their inner explorer.

Hiking, biking, camping, kayaking. In San Marcos, there's always a chance for a nature lover to get outdoors. The Adventure Trip Program helps students and faculty do just that.
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Free clinicals and paid weekend trips are offered each semester, so people can learn skills like backpacking or rock climbing.
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Anyone is welcome; the main point of the trips is to encourage a sense of adventure.
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This summer the program is taking a group of 13 students to Iceland.
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Prices for the trips range anywhere from five-dollars to 90-dollars, and more information about them can be found at the Outdoor Center in Sewell Park.
SU: Whether it's kayaking the river or taking an international trip, the Adventure Trip Program can satisfy the explorer in any student. For Bobcat Update I'm Taylor Hughes.

4/14/16

Sophia Campos

Texas State hosts an annual event that honors faculty, staff, alumni and students who have passed away within the past year. Sophia Campos has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Student Foundation invites loved ones of the deceased to attend Bobcat Pause. At this event they can see pictures of their loved one, hear from the university president and watch a tribute musical performance.
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This year marks the event's 29th anniversary, and it attracts family and friends of the deceased from all over.
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Whether it's the loss of a husband, wife, professor, or friend, students who have lost a loved one are learning to cope with their new reality.
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Although this event may be painful, it's also a time of reflection and remembrance.
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(Stand up) The purpose of Bobcat Pause is to show the family and friends of the deceased that their loved one is not forgotten. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sophia Campos.

4/12/16

Matthew Hamill

There's a concert series taking place in San Marcos this month, and every event is raising awareness for a good cause. Matthew Hamill has more in this Bobcat Update.

Every Thursday during April, residents can expect a show at the San Marcos Plaza Park. Last Thursday the Keep San Marcos Beautiful Concert Series featured the one-man funk band Henry and the Invisibles. Coordinator for the concert series, Amy Kirwin, says the weekly shows are meant to engage people in ways to help the environment.
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Last year the Concert Series added a sustainability theme. You can expect an environmental theme this week as well.
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The fun kicks off at 6:30 with activities for the whole family, and the music begins at 7:30. The Concert series is free to the public. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Hamill.

4/11/16

Travion Harmon

Some Texas State seniors are taking a serious look at pursuing a graduate degree after their spring commencement. Travion Harmon has more with this Bobcat Update.

Seniors have decisions to make. After graduation, some will immediately enter the workforce; others will take a break. Another option is graduate school .
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(SU)For some students perusing graduate school after graduation is beneficial for them because it allows them to cut down time and grow in their career fields.
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Some students say a master's degree is a necessity -- especially in today's competitive job market.
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The Texas State graduate college is still accepting applications for the upcoming school year. Questions and concerns can be answered by a graduate advisor located on the second floor of J-C-K. For Bobcat Update, I'm Travion Harmon.

4/9/16

Sam Isenberg

Gas prices remain low, which is good news for some and not so good news for others. Sam Isenberg tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

Fuel up Americans! According to the American Automobile Association, gas prices were the cheapest they've been in 12 years to start 2016. (Standup)
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But the cheap gas prices aren't good news for all. C-N-N reports that more than 86 thousand jobs in the oil industry have been cut since the price of oil started to drop in June 2014.
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The automobile industry is also feeling the effect of lower gas prices. A few years ago people were trading in their gas guzzlers for a more fuel efficient choice, but with gas prices low S-U-V and truck sales are making a comeback.
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Texas has the ninth cheapest gas prices on average at 1.89 per gallon. The state with the highest average... California at 2.79 per gallon, so if you're headed to the Golden State bring your electric car. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sam Isenberg (standup)

Shannon Carrico

The student population at Texas State continues to grow, and the university is anticipating even higher numbers next fall. Bobcat Update's Shannon Carrico has more.

Texas State is located in one of the fastest growing cities in America, and many of the newcomers in San Marcos are Texas State students. The University reported a record-breaking 38-thousand-and-six students for the fall 2015 semester. The Department of Undergraduate Admissions says enrollment could be even higher next fall.
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Freshman applications are up nearly 15 percent, and transfer applications are also expected to increase.
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SU: Even though the growth in student enrollment at Texas State is benefiting the school, it has some students concerned moving forward.
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Whether you're an under- or upperclassman, you can expect it to be a little busier at Texas State this coming fall. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shannon Carrico.

Jarrett Moehn

There's a new condo going up where an old bar use to be. Jarrett Moehn has more in this Bobcat Update.

You've probably noticed the crane.
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As San Marcos grows, new places to live must be built, like this one. This is where the Triple Crown bar used to be -- a place where musicians could gather and perform. For 365 days a year, for over 18 years, Triple Crown featured live music. Now it's gone to make way for more living space. Triple Crown and the lot next to it were purchased by a commercial real estate agency called Carson Properties. The first floor of the new complex will be retail space, while the floors above will be apartments.
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However, not everyone is pleased. Some local residents who enjoy the music scene say there are too many changes occurring.
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Musicians are finding it more difficult to find places to play and for students and local music fans to hear them.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Jarrett Moehn.

Valerie Figueroa

The Internet-based retailer, Amazon, has begun construction of a distribution center in San Marcos. The center is expected to employ more one-thousand people including some Texas State graduates. Valerie Figueroa has more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos has attracted new industries hoping to set up shop in one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. For example, Amazon has begun advertising job opportunities for its newest facility a year before completion. San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero says companies like Amazon are expanding business opportunities for the city, its residents, and Texas State. He says the arrival of big business is a significant indicator of the city's growth and its importance. Large employers provide opportunities for students to stay in San Marcos after they graduate, but some students say they plan to return to their hometowns.
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Several students say they like San Marcos but wouldn't stay after graduation because they prefer larger urban areas.
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Other students say they would like to stay in San Marcos, if there were more jobs available.
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Despite positive responses from many students at the university, some locals believe big business will be bad for San Marcos.
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Laura Carr

The San Marcos Police Department is encouraging motorists to lock it or lose it. In this Bobcat Update, Laura Carr tells us about recommendations to avoid break-ins.

Vehicles are used, of course, for transportation, but they're also often a personal storage space as well. Cars are vulnerable to theft. The police department says there have been more than 50 car burglaries in the last month. Thefts, though, can be avoided.
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The police department says report any theft from your vehicle immediately. For Bobcat Update, I'm Laura Carr.

Tessa Andrade

Prom season is a special time but can also come at a high cost. Tessa Andrade tells us how a local San Marcos church is helping high school students find the perfect dress.

Many young women from the San Marcos area will have an opportunity this weekend to find their dream dress at no cost. El Buen Pastor Church is hosting its second annual Prom Dress giveaway. To be eligible, students must be 14 to 19 years old and have a current school I-D.
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Janie Perez is founder of the event. Perez says she wants girls to have opportunities she didn't have when she was in high school.
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The event gives girls the opportunity to attend a high school rite of passage, prom, without having to worry about the financial strain.
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The event will be held on April 16th from 11 a-m to 5 p-m at the El Buen Pastor Church on Hutchison Street. For Bobcat Update I'm Tessa Andrade

Dylan Harkins

A new store has opened in San Marcos that can take care of your broken electronics. Dylan Harkins has more in this Bobcat Update.

One-Up-Repairs, located within walking distance of campus at 2-12 University Drive, opened about a month ago. The co-owner is Erica Douglass.
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Douglass says the shop tries to make repairs quickly.
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Co-owner John Creasy says he and his wife take pride in their store's record of service. They also have a shop in Austin.
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One-Up-Repairs has some competition in town. For example, Mobile Phone Geeks Manager Alex Pichot says his shop is in the business of helping customers, too.
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(Standup)

4/6/16

Manuel Garcia

The Texas State Wake-Boarding Team is ready to take flight. Manuel Garcia recently visited the Texas Ski Ranch and files this report.

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Just a few miles south of campus lies an oasis where extreme sports enthusiasts get vertical. A cable is used to launch the riders through rails and ramps that are scattered throughout the course.
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Texas State Wake-Team Founder Jack Guenther looks back on the history of the team.
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The wake boarding team is unique.
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New people are welcome to join.
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For newcomers wanting to wake board, Guenther has some words of encouragement.
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So grab a swimsuit, gear up, hit the water and shred the gnar with the Texas State Wake Team. For Bobcat Update this is Manuel Garcia.

Anthony Balladares

Cancer -- it ruins lives and devastates families. But there are organizations, like Relay for Life, that try to help those who are affected. Anthony Balladares has more in this Bobcat Update.

While most students are busy cramming for their next big test or catching up on some much-needed sleep, these three women are preoccupied with something much different... something much more important... remembering those who have lost their battle to cancer and celebrating those who are still fighting.
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Together the trio forms part of the leadership team for Texas State's Relay for Life -- a non-profit organization that focuses on cancer awareness. The group also raises funds for education, research and advocacy. All three are devoted to Relay for Life. Their passion runs deep.
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Their message is simple: Everyone is potentially affected by cancer and it doesn't take a diagnosis to realize it.
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All the hours of planning and fundraising that Anisah, Stephanie and Marina have gone through since August will come to fruition tomorrow night during Relay for Life's final event -- a seven-hour festivity filled with games and celebration. The event honors the millions of people affected by cancer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Balladares.

4/5/16

Veronica Ramirez

Whether you're commuting to Texas State from Austin, or driving to Austin for a night out, in all likelihood you've encountered the mess that I-35 traffic can cause. State officials are exploring options to ease the congestion. Veronica Ramirez has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Texas Transportation Commission approved a measure last week that will offer truck drivers a discount to avoid I-35 and take State Highway One-30 instead.
The discount is seen as a way to encourage truck drivers to use the toll road rather than I-35 and thereby alleviate traffic and decrease accidents between Austin and San Marcos.
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Currently truck drivers pay 50 dollars for a full trip from S-H One-30 to toll 45, which connects Georgetown to Buda. But, starting later this month, big rigs with four axles or more will receive a 33 percent discount to drive on the toll road. The discount will increase in November to 67 percent for Tex-Tag customers. The heavy traffic on I-35 affects Texas State students who commute from the Austin area. Some say they have to leave early to make it to class on time.
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One student says the discount makes sense if it reduces the volume of traffic on I-35, but it's still too expensive.
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Phase one of the law starts on April 18th and will be in effect from 7 a-m to 7 p-m weekdays.
(Stand Up) Additionally, a report will be presented next year when the commission meets again that will include the impact of the discounts on traffic. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronica Ramirez.

4/4/16

Stephen McElwee

With nearly 250 pets at the city's animal shelter, there is always a need for volunteers. Stephen McElwee has more in this Bobcat Update.

Studies have shown that volunteering can lower the risk of depression and fill your life with a sense purpose and fulfillment. Many animal shelter volunteers agree...as do the puppies.
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The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter has about 100 volunteers and is always looking for more people. Animal Shelter technician Leah Hatcher says volunteering is a popular activity for college students and the retired community.
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[SU] So whether you're looking to help out or simply looking for a furry friend be sure to check out The City of San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. For Bobcat Update I'm Stephen McElwee.

4/2/16

Jasmin Carranza

Harry Potter fans were offered a taste of Muggle Quidditch this past weekend. Jasmin Carranza has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thirty Quidditch teams from across the country converged last Saturday in San Marcos for the first-ever Consolation Cup.
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Every year 60 Quidditch teams qualify to compete for a national title, and after teams are eliminated from the main competition they still can play another round in what's called the Consolation Cup.
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This is the first year such an event has been held, and Texas State is lucky enough to be the first to host it.
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The teams competing believe that this type of division-two tournament is good for the sport and should continue.
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(Stand up) For more information on the Texas State Quidditch program, visit their Facebook page at Texas State Quidditch and follow the varsity team as it competes for the national title April 16th through 17th in Columbia, South Carolina. For Bobcat Update I'm Jasmin Carranza.

Brett Ellis

Fish can make wonderful pets for any college student. They're low maintenance and don't require much space. However, students come and go and the fish are left behind, or worse, they're discarded. In this Bobcat Update, Brett Ellis tells us why it's NOT a good idea to throw them in the river.

A fish tank can add a nice accent to a small apartment, but when it's time to take a long break from studies -- for example, summer or winter break -- some students don't know what to do with their finny friends.
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Sometimes they turn to throwing them in the river.
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This is illegal.
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This is not only damaging to the river, but to the fish as well.
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Not only are the fish an issue for the river, but plants can be even more troublesome.
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There was a program at Texas State that helped to promote information about the issue.
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Stores, like Earth Angel's Pet Supply, accept most surrenders.
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So remember, keep your pets and plants out of the river, and help keep San Marcos beautiful. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brett Ellis.

Taylor Hughes

Just in time for warmer temperatures, Texas State's University Camp has re-opened for the semester. As Taylor Hughes tells us in this Bobcat Update, the camp was devastated by last year's flooding.

Miles of hike-and-bike trails, a high-ropes course, and campsites were wiped out by heavy rains and flooding last October. But now, University Camp -- located between San Marcos and Wimberley -- has been restored.
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Workers cleared debris from the river's edge, but erosion is still a top concern.
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Outdoor Center Coordinator John Griffis says work crews planted 29 new trees and moved four campsites up river.
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Students, alumni and faculty are making their reservations.
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A trail map will soon be created so hikers can get a better idea of the trails the camp has to offer.
SU: U-Camp seems to be a hidden gem among students, but once found some campers might not be able to resist. For Bobcat Update I'm Taylor Hughes.

Macy Neel

April is Sexual-Assault-Prevention-and-Awareness-Month. In this Bobcat Update, Macy Neel tells us about how a Texas group is involved.

The Texas-Association-Against-Sexual-Assault is trying to boost awareness and show support for victims. The group has started what it calls a Turn-Texas-Teal movement, which is focused on prevention.
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The group is asking Texans to take to social media like Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Instagram to share their stories, words or encouragement, or call to action.
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The organization is also asking universities to get involved in spreading the word.
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To get involved in the movement use the hashtag turn Texas teal and show your support. For Bobcat Update, I'm Macy Neel.

John Willms

It's no secret that some off-campus apartments have a knack for appealing to students. Some of their amenities include 24-hour gyms and fully furnished units. But on campus living also has much to offer. John Willms has more in this Bobcat Update.

During their freshman year, home for most Texas State students is one of the university's residence halls. While there, students get into the groove of how college life works.
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A lot of residents who live in dorms often plan to move off-campus at the end of their first year.
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But living on campus has some perks, such as proximity to class, dining halls and NOT having to deal with the buses.
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The main turn off of dorm life seems to be the enforcement of rules -- rules that include quiet hours.
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One thing that you don't typically get at a student housing complex is community involvement and the planning of events and mixers.
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Sarah Bey

Texas State students don't need to travel to big cities to get their chance in the spotlight. Bobcat Update's Sarah Bey has more.

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Every month for one night George's in the L-B-J Student Center is filled with this: laughter, music, and the brave students and San Marcos locals who decide to take the stage at open mic night. The Student Association for Campus Activities organizes the event that keeps drawing students back.
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SACA Operations Coordinator Shannon Hetland says open mic nights are meant to promote community bonding among students on campus.
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Hetland says several different student and local performers attend the events and for some it's a fresh start.
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And for some it's a growing experience.
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Ramirez says performers should take the opportunity to go on stage.
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SU: The next open mic night will be here at George's on April 19TH from six to nine P-M. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Bey.

Autumn Sprabary

Texas is full of hidden treasures. Some of them may be closer than you think. Autumn Sprabary has more with this Bobcat Update.

Texas is known for a lot of things – good food, hot summers and the biggest sky you'll ever see. Nestled in the middle of Texas hill country is the Historic District of Gruene. Gruene was founded by German immigrant farmers in the 1840's. One of the farmers, Ernst Gruene, purchased the land, and with the help of his two sons built two homes just above the Guadalupe river. One of the homes still stands today, and has been converted into a bed and breakfast called the Gruene Mansion Inn.
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The Gruene Mansion Inn embodies the history of the Gruene family. Their vintage-style rooms are decorated with different themes to recognize the history of the buildings, while keeping their Texas roots.
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Gruene Mansion Inn has a total of 33 rooms – 12 of which give guests a view of the Guadalupe River. Two of the bedrooms are located in the second floor of the mansion, and overlook Gruene Hall – the oldest dance hall in Texas.
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Breakfast is served every morning from the original kitchen used by the Gruene family, and enjoyed on the porch that wraps around the front of the house. You can still see Mrs. Gruene's root cellar in the front yard of the mansion, where she would keep items that needed to be chilled before refrigeration was invented.
Gruene Mansion Inn has housed its fair share of guests – each from a different walk of life, looking for an escape from reality.
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The mansion offers guests an experience that they come back for again and again, and as long as there are guests, the mansion's doors will be open.
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Carlos Ibarra

Texas State University is helping Information Technology students find local jobs after they graduate. Carlos Ibarra has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State has been named to the White House's Tech-Hire Initiative, a program designed to train and develop a home-grown information technology workforce. The university -- in partnership with Workforce Solutions, the City of Austin, and the Greater San Marcos Partnership -- will use this initiative to fill approximately eight-thousand information technology jobs in Central Texas.
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Texas State is extending the program to the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. University officials are coordinating with the high schools to provide students with the training they need to earn a certificate that can be used for college credit at Texas State.
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This news comes two months after the university announced the addition of the Digital Media Innovation major to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The D-M-I degree focuses on the demand for graduates who possess technology expertise and strong communication skills. Such skills are needed in jobs like news application developers, data and social media analysts and mobile experience producers.
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The new degree is scheduled to launch this fall, pending final approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Ibarra.

Bianca Gandaria

Many students may know the Texas State fight song by heart, but reciting the alma mater is much more difficult. Bianca Gandaria has more in this Bobcat Update.

Some members of the Faculty Senate want to change the lyrics of the alma mater. The reason? There are words that some believe are inappropriate for the times.
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One such phrase that might be changed is in the last verse. Instead of of the words -- cheering for the oppressed, one proposal calls for AIDING the oppressed.
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The song known as the alma mater was written by one of the school's faculty members in the early 1900s. The song is historic but not sacrosanct (sack-roh-sankt). Some students believe changing the lyrics would not harm Texas State's honored traditions.
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President Trauth has met with the Faculty Senate to discuss the proposed change. The Faculty Senate and Student Government are working together to make sure everyone has a voice in the matter. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bianca Gandaria.

Taylor Farrell

A health advisory has been lifted for the San Marcos River. In this Bobcat Update, Taylor Farrell tells us what this means for graduating seniors.

Many seniors are looking forward to graduation and for what comes after—the highly anticipated post-grad river jump.
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High e-coli levels were detected last month, but the advisory that followed has since been canceled because more recent samples showed levels within a normal range. The scare may give some students second thoughts about taking the plunge after graduation.
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Officials say a wastewater spill may have been the cause of the elevated bacteria levels. And, though levels are now more normal, monitoring of the river continues.
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SU: River samples will continue to be taken each month to ensure the safety of our rivers and our future graduates. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Farrell.